Our Culture

Viewing Basic Necessities as a Birthright for All

A community within a community, Cradles to Crayons is built on the belief that everyone deserves the everyday essentials they need to thrive and survive. We’re fully committed to making that belief a reality for our most vulnerable children. In partnership with our communities, this culture is molded by our shared vision: a world where all kids can access what they need to reach their potential.

We understand that a backpack is more than a schoolbag. It’s an incubator for the future, filled with possibility and support for the child who wears it. We’ve also seen firsthand how small things like school supplies and clean clothing — donated through the kindness of others — can make a big difference in the life of a child.

At its heart, Cradles to Crayons is the product of countless small acts of kindness that, together, make a big difference. Our “kids come first” values and culture have enabled us to energize a diverse and inclusive community of more than 75,000 volunteers while supporting more than one million children to date. Our daily work continues to be inspired by the unity and power of our collaborative mindset — as we continue to expand our legacy of service to those who need us most.